VDI Australia, the local distributor of Yutong buses and coaches, has announced a “bold restructure” of its national sales and aftersales team.
The distributor says the restructure allows VDI to reinforce its promise to Australian operators to provide reliable advice, seamless delivery and long-term support.
The addition of two well-known industry people in Robert Smart, previously from air-conditioning supplier DENSO, and Logan Hoser, who spent 20 years at Scania Australia, is part of the shuffle.
“This is more than an internal reshuffle – it’s a reflect of how VDI is preparing its people, processes and partners for a transport landscape in transition — whether operators are trialling electric for the first time, expanding a full zero-emission fleet, or looking for proven performance with Cummins Euro 6 diesel technology,” VDI Australia says in a statement.
VDI’s restructured national sales team is built around the idea of delivering deep regional knowledge combined with nationally aligned support.
Each region is now supported by business development managers and account managers, backed by a national sales operations specialist to keep communication smooth and customer needs on track.
From seasoned leaders to strategic new appointments, VDI national sales manager Sara Clark says each person has been chosen to meet the specific needs of customers in their region.
“While our newly structured team brings together over 235 years of combined industry experience, this shift isn’t about looking back — it’s about being ready for what’s next,” Clark says.
She says Hoser and Smart bring “fresh energy and strong reputations” from their regions, with their arrival coinciding with the transition for long-time sales leader Peter Verbrugge to a strategic business development manager role across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Also part of the shuffle is the move of Brendan Godber from leading the aftersales division to taking up a business development role.
Out west, VDI’s national footprint includes Mike Kennedy and Scott Lane in Western Australia.
“This team’s experience spans real-world operations, fleet planning, compliance, and delivery — giving us the insight to ask smarter questions early, anticipate the challenges our customers face, and support them through every stage of the journey,” Clark says.
“It’s that blend of practical expertise and forward focus that makes the difference, especially as operators navigate fleet transitions and shifting regional requirements.”
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VDI has also built a responsive service package for regional areas, with the company investing in structure that includes onboarding guides, training videos and technical documentation.
This shift is led by Sam Gibson, who recently joined as national service manager following Brendan Godber’s move into sales.
“Our goal is to ensure the sales journey transitions seamlessly into long-term support,” Gibson says.
“That means making it easy for customers to access the information, training, and service they need — wherever they are.”
VDI’s aftersales support network reflects the same regional depth seen in its sales team. In NSW and the ACT, a well-established team manages everything from warranty and training to long-term service partnerships. In Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, growing service agent networks are supported by centralised technical resources — ensuring smaller operators receive the same attention to detail as larger fleets.
Queensland and the Northern Territory benefit from mobile servicing and close coordination with remote communities, while Western Australia continues to be well supported by a team with long-standing local experience and a deep understanding of the demands placed on vehicles in the region.
“It’s our team who lead the relationship from day one,” Gibson says.
“Operators deal directly with VDI for delivery, training, support — everything. Yutong’s factory team backs us up where needed, but the accountability and consistency starts with us.
“We’re building a service experience that’s not person-dependent — it’s systematic. From tailored onboarding to coordinated delivery and operational support, the customer journey is more streamlined than ever.”
Clark says this change to VDI’s national structure comes at a critical moment.
“This shift couldn’t come at a better time,” says Clark.
“With government led zero-emission bus fleet integration, growing demand from national operators, and increasing pressure for consistency across states, customers are looking for more than a good deal — they’re looking for partners who can deliver reliable vehicles at scale, without losing the local touch.”
VDI’s restructure is also a tangible example of its brand values — known internally as “DRIVEN”: Dedication, Responsibility, Innovation, Value, Excellence and Nurture.
“You’ll find our values built into the way our team works with customers every day,” Clark says.
The national restructure has allowed VDI to better match its growing product portfolio — from battery-electric buses to proven Cummins Euro 6 models — with a team built to support operators across the full lifecycle.
And while the vehicles may be front and centre, Gibson says the people behind them are the difference between a one-time deal and a lasting partnership.
“VDI is not just focused on getting customers into the right bus — the team is committed to supporting operators through the entire journey. From planning and delivery to long-term performance, VDI is there to help drive the future forward,” he says.
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